Methods, systems, and storage mediums for providing database management services for a telecommunications system

ABSTRACT

Methods, systems, and storage mediums for database management services for a telecommunications system are provided. A method includes transferring, via a managed language application, raw data extracted from a legacy system to a first spreadsheet application macro. The method also includes merging, via the first spreadsheet application macro, selected portions of the raw data, and creating a first spreadsheet file that includes the merged data. The merged data relates each physical and virtual fiber of the telecommunications system to the merged data. The method further includes transferring, via the managed language application, the first spreadsheet file to another spreadsheet application macro, and generating, via the other spreadsheet application macro, a graphical drawing comprising a cable ring that includes fiber routes and telecommunications equipment. The graphical drawing is generated using the merged data.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/770,262, filed Feb. 2, 2004, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention relate generally to telecommunications systems, and more particularly, to methods, systems, and storage mediums for providing database management services for a telecommunications system.

Managing fiber and cable networks is generally performed in a haphazard fashion using legacy system data and reports that are incompatible with newer software and technology. With large volumes of data spread across disparate systems, it is difficult if not impossible to provide efficient analysis of fiber and cable networking systems, equipment, and related operations. Much of the reporting and analyses are performed manually. As new technology continues to bring forth a wealth of advancements in communications networks and equipment, telecommunications service providers will require updated models for handling data relating to existing and future transport facilities and services in order to keep pace with these changes. Clearly, using existing manual processes for analyzing networking data and providing network services is not an optimum solution.

What is needed, therefore, is a way to integrate data from legacy systems for providing efficient handling of networking data that enables analysis and reporting.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments relate to methods, systems, and storage mediums for providing database management services for a telecommunications system. A method includes transferring, via a managed language application, raw data extracted from a legacy system to a first spreadsheet application macro. The method also includes merging, via the first spreadsheet application macro, selected portions of the raw data, and creating a first spreadsheet file that includes the merged data. The merged data relates each physical and virtual fiber of the telecommunications system to the merged data. The method further includes transferring, via the managed language application, the first spreadsheet file to another spreadsheet application macro, and generating, via the other spreadsheet application macro, a graphical drawing comprising a cable ring that includes fiber routes and telecommunications equipment. The graphical drawing is generated using the merged data.

A system includes a computer processing device and a managed language application and a network planning application executing on the computer processing device. The managed language application and the network planning application implement a method. The method includes transferring, via the managed language application, raw data extracted from a legacy system to a first spreadsheet application macro. The method also includes merging, via the first spreadsheet application macro, selected portions of the raw data, and creating a first spreadsheet file that includes the merged data. The merged data relates each physical and virtual fiber of the telecommunications system to the merged data. The method further includes transferring, via the managed language application, the first spreadsheet file to another spreadsheet application macro, and generating, via the other spreadsheet application macro, a graphical drawing comprising a cable ring that includes fiber routes and telecommunications equipment. The graphical drawing is generated using the merged data.

Other systems, methods, and/or computer program products according to embodiments will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon review of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, and/or computer program products be included within this description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings wherein like elements are numbered alike in the several FIGURES:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system upon which the database management system is implemented in exemplary embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart describing the process of implementing the database management system in exemplary embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a sample district table that is used as an input file to the M_GETCAB macro of the database management system in exemplary embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a sample WDMTABLE intermediate file derived from the execution of the M_GETCAB macro of the database management system and is used to create DETCAB files as well as WDM Summaries in exemplary embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a sample SCIDTBL intermediate file derived from the execution of the M_GETCAB macro of the database management system and is used to create DETCAB files in exemplary embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a sample WDMSUMMARY output file derived from the execution of the M_FORMATWDM macro of the database management system in exemplary embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a sample THRESHOLD FIBER COMPARISON report produced by the database management system in exemplary embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a sample state DETCAB worksheet derived from the execution of the M_GETCAB macro of the managed language application in exemplary embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a sample state CABLE CROSS SECTION TOTAL worksheet derived from the execution of the M_GETCAB macro of the managed language application in exemplary embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a sample state SUMMARY worksheet derived from the execution of the M_GETCAB macro of the managed language application in exemplary embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a sample cable drawing derived from the execution of the M_CBLDRAWING macro of the database management system using information obtained from a DETCAB worksheet in exemplary embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a sample SPARE FIBERS report produced by the database management system in exemplary embodiments of the invention; and

FIG. 13 is a sample SONET SYSTEMS report produced by the database management system in exemplary embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The database management system of the invention provides a means to evaluate fiber, wavelength division multiplexing (WDM), and dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) networks for determining cost efficient ways for building and maintaining a network. The database management system is flexible enough to be used by cable network enterprises in addition to fiber network enterprises. The data acquired by implementing the database management system of the invention may be used by a variety of entities that are involved with telecommunication enterprises, such as engineers, marketing, portfolio management, product management, and finance groups. Database elements are structured for quick analysis and macros utilized by the database management system merge, query, and provide reporting capabilities using the data.

The database management system is executed via a system such as that depicted in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 includes a host system 102 comprising a server 104, an inter-office facilities (IOF) data repository 105, a data repository 106, and a computer client 108 in communication with one another via a network 110. Server 104 may comprise a high-powered multiprocessor computer device including web server and applications server software for receiving requests from computer client 108 to run programs, access databases, and generate reports as described further herein.

Server 104 executes a networking application 112. Networking application 112 comprises a telecommunications software product for facilitating network provisioning for equipment such as carrier circuits and message trunks. Networking application 112 may also provide inventory management of networking facilities and equipment and supports a variety of transmissions technologies serviced by the enterprise of host system 102. Networking application 112 may comprise a proprietary application or may be a commercial application such as TIRKS® by Telcordia® Technologies, Inc. of Piscataway, N.J. Server 104 further executes networking planning software 114 that assists host system 102 employees in planning, monitoring, and reporting on network facilities and equipment. Network planning software 114 may be a proprietary application or may comprise a commercial product such as Telcordia® FEPS Planning Workstation (PWS) programs. Network planning software 114 includes a routine (e.g., X02GETCABLE routine 120) for extracting data relating to telecommunications transmission lines from legacy files 130, a routine (e.g., X02SCIDSYS routine 122) for extracting data relating to telecommunications equipment from legacy files 130, and a routine (e.g., X02WDMTABLE routine 124) for extracting wavelength division multiplexor equipment (WDM) data from a legacy WDM table. The data is extracted from legacy reports produced by network planning software 114 as described further herein.

Server 104 also executes a keystroke emulator application 116 that allows a user to further drill down the raw data produced a result of executing X02GETCABLE routine 120. Keystroke emulator application 116 maybe a proprietary tool or may comprise a commercial application such as TaskMate™. In addition, a managed language program 117, such as Microsoft Visual Basic® or C++ is executing on server 104. Managed language program 117 includes a spreadsheet component, such as Microsoft® Excel®, to produce and execute macros M_GETCAB 126, M_FORMATWDM 128, and M_CBLDRAWING 129 as described further herein.

IOF data repository 105 is a legacy data store that houses data created and utilized by legacy applications such as networking management application 112 and network planning application 114. Applications 112 and 114 produce legacy tables and reports 130.

Data repository 106 stores information produced by database management system 102 such as intermediate files 136, DETCAB files 138, and summaries/reports 140. These and other documents are described further herein. Data repository 106 further stores district tables 132. A portion of a sample DISTRICT table is shown generally in FIG. 3. The table of FIG. 3 provides information for a telecommunications district such as geographic coding information, fiber location data, and detailed district locations. Data repository 106 is preferably utilizing a relational database configuration such as Microsoft Access® for allowing data stored therein to be organized and manipulated on various levels.

Data repositories 105 and 106 may each comprise a standalone storage device or may, along with server 104, comprise a single unit such as a mainframe computer.

Information produced by networking management application 112 and network planning software 114 is processed by routines 120-124 and keystroke emulator 116 to produce raw data that is integrated by database management system 102 utilizing managed language application 117 and macros 126, 128, and 129.

Computer client 108 is used by host system employees to execute the database management system processes described herein. Computer client 108 requests execution of applications via server 104 and generates reports. Computer client 108 maybe a general-purpose computer such as a desktop, laptop, or similar device.

Network 110 may comprise a local area network (LAN) or other suitable network system for facilitating communication between server 104, data repositories 105 and 106, and computer client 108.

Data produced from various disparate network systems and software are merged together by database management system 102 and structured in a way that allows for analyses and reporting activities to be performed as will now be described in FIG. 2. A user on computer client 108 executes network planning application 114 routine X02GETCABLE 120 for a selected state at 202. This step extracts raw data from legacy tables 130 in IOF data repository 105 (e.g., HICAP/SPAN tables). HICAP refers to high-capacity cable lines such as leased lines for long distance carrier enterprises. The type of raw data extracted from legacy tables 130 includes cable data relating to fiber cables/transmission lines serviced by the enterprise executing the database management system 102. The raw data output of this execution is then fed to keystroke emulator 116 at 204. Keystroke emulator 116 comprises an extraction routine that performs extractions on the raw data, enabling the user to further drill down the raw data at 206.

The user then executes network planning program 114 X02SCIDSYS routine 122 at 208. This step extracts raw data from legacy tables/reports 130 in IOF data repository 105. The type of raw data extracted from X02SCIDSYS routine 122 includes information relating to the telecommunications equipment serviced by the enterprise system such as SONET equipment used to handle trunking.

The user then executes network planning program 114 X02WDMTABLE routine 124 at 210. This step extracts raw data from legacy tables/reports 130 in IOF data repository 105 that pertains to WDM equipment. Routine 124 may be run for one state or for an entire region. The type of raw data produced by this step includes WDM information such as WDM identifier, WDM type, CLLI codes, and WDM A and Z locations. Examples of WDM types include “OMO2” referring to a 2-channel WDM, and “OM12” and “OM13” referring to 12 and 13 channel WDM systems to name a few.

The raw data extracted at steps 206, 208, and 210 are imported to managed language application macro, M_GETCAB at 212. The raw data extracted is linked by the M_GETCAB macro by relating each channel of WDM raw data with corresponding SCID data. When an OM* carrier (e.g., WDM system) is detected in the fiber data (i.e., raw data resulting from step 206), a lookup is used from the WDM data to insert a row into a DETCAB worksheet for each working WDM channel. DETCAB worksheets are described further herein. This linking of WDM raw data to SCID data provides a database that enables an analyst to view paths of SCIDs in a single step.

Optionally, district tables 132 from IOF data repository 106 for the selected state may be accessed by the M_GETCAB macro for further filtering the raw data by district at step 214. A portion of a sample district table is shown generally in FIG. 3. District tables are provided to map districts to CLLIs.

At 216, a user runs the M_GETCAB macro 126. The M_GETCAB macro 126 is a program that processes the data extracted as a result of the execution of routines 120-124 described above. The M_GETCAB macro 126 is written using managed language application 117. The M_GETCAB macro 126 merges the raw data produced in steps 206, 208, and 210 and produces intermediate files 136 in spreadsheet form. Two intermediate spreadsheet files are shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

Using intermediate files produced from the M_GETCAB macro 126, a DETCAB workbook comprising a DETCAB worksheet 148, a CABLE CROSS SECTION worksheet 150, and SUMMARY worksheet 152, is created and stored in data repository 106 at 218. Sample worksheets 148-152 are shown in FIGS. 8-10. The DETCAB worksheet of FIG. 8 provides a variety of details for each working WDM channel, such as Fiber A and Z locations for a cable 902 and 904, cable number 906, fiber identification 908, WDM channel number 910, a restriction code 912, a status now 914, status pending 916, the date the fiber was placed in service 918, the SCID 920, among other information. The restriction code 912 field provides information concerning any equipment restrictions. For example, a ‘J’ in restrictive code 912 field indicates that a restriction relates to a jumper. Other codes available for restrictive code 912 field include ‘DEF’ for defective, ‘$’ for spare, ‘W’ for work, to name a few.

SUMMARY worksheets 152 provide a variety of details such as whether a cable cross section is being used for IOF, SmartRings®, Lightgates®, Asynchronous Equipment, or Specials. A sample Summary worksheet is illustrated in FIG. 10.

CABLE CROSS SECTION worksheets 150 produced from the M_GETCAB macro 126 allow a user to view fiber growth trends, those with a threshold flag of ‘Y’, spare/available fibers, not available fibers, and cable status in order to quickly analyze potential cross sections for exhaust. A sample cable cross section worksheet is shown in FIG. 9. A user may further use an autofilter to quickly analyze database problems and update the database for more accurate future analysis. For example, a filter on ‘cable status=PA’ and ‘Wkg Util>0’ generally means that the cable status should be changed to an ‘IE’ since there are fibers working on it. Also, ‘not available’ percents greater than 25 can be analyzed quickly on the DETCAB worksheet to determine if there are defective units that need to be fixed or if there are restrictions that may be inaccurate and may need to be removed to correctly show either working on spare fibers.

DETCAB worksheet 148 is used as a database of combined information by M_GETCAB macro 126 to create SUMMARY and CABLE CROSS SECTION worksheets described above. These worksheets are used to help in fiber planning to determine how fast cross sections are filing up. The CABLE CROSS SECTION worksheet 150 has thresholds built into it to easily filter the fiber paths that may require rebuilding. SUMMARY worksheets 152 illustrate what types of SCIDs are working on the fiber cross sections.

Execution of the custom and pre-built queries in the Access™ database also produces summaries and reports, a sample of which is shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 illustrates a THRESHOLD FIBER COMPARISON report produced by the database management system 102. A THRESHOLD FIBER COMPARISON REPORT provides information such as the threshold limits for a given fiber, whether the threshold limits have been exceeded, and a fix status for the fiber. This information is provided along with the low/high quantities for a fiber (e.g., the lowest and highest numbers in the fiber complement), as well as the number of spare fibers. These and other reports may be stored in summaries/reports database 140 in data repository 106.

The DETCAB worksheet 148 is imported to an Access™ database (or similar relational database) of data repository 106 at 220 where custom and pre-built queries may be used to analyze the data. This information can be further searched and drilled down for specific information at 222. For example, a user may place a filter on the SCID in order to view all the cross sections inventoried in networking application 112 for a given ring. A user may also, for example, place a custom filter on the type “T?X” and a filter on the status now =“W” to view all of the Async systems still in service.

Other reports generated via step 222 include SPARE FIBERS reports and SONET SYSTEMS reports as shown generally in FIGS. 12 and 13, respectively. SPARE FIBERS reports may be generated for a given date and provide status information on the number of ‘working’, ‘spare now’, and ‘spare pending’ fibers for a location.

The data used in the DETCAB worksheet of FIG. 8 may be further used to produce a cable drawing that plots a ring of fiber routes including electronic equipment. This is accomplished by importing the DETCAB worksheet 148 to managed language application 117 at step 224. The macro, M_CBLDRAWING 129 is run on the worksheet data at step 226 and a cable ring drawing is generated at step 228. A sample cable ring drawing 1000 is shown in FIG. 11. Drawing 1000 includes a ring of nodes 1002 and passthroughs 1004 interconnected by lines 1006. Nodes 1002 refer to networking equipment serviced by the enterprise. Passthroughs 1004 refer to the supporting equipment that receive and transmit signals to and from nodes 1002. These signals are transmitted via lines 1006 which refer to fiber cables. Each path used, node, and passthrough has an identifier (e.g., LSVLKYFC for node 1002 a) as shown generally in FIG. 11. This graphical information may be useful in assisting engineers for future ring planning or fiber technicians when prioritizing fiber repair work when fiber cables are cut.

The raw data extracted from the X02WDMTABLE procedure 124 may be input to M_FORMATWDM macro 128 at step 230 for producing a WDM Summary report 154 (steps 232-234). A sample WDM Summary report is shown in FIG. 6. The WDM Summary report includes a listing and quantity of working and spare channels serviced by the enterprise executing the database management system 102. Working and spare channels are identified by descriptors such as WDM A and Z locations, WDM types, system identification numbers, and state.

The database management system combines data from disparate systems, such as networking applications, network planning programs, and localized district tables, and creates a database of information to help better forecast and manage fibers, detect routing errors, and resolve issues concerning inter-office facilities data. Threshold flags are set based upon available spare and growth rate that are unique to a particular cross section. The data may be combined with nodes data for generate graphical information for nodes, passthroughs, and lines for any network ring.

As described above, embodiments may be in the form of computer-implemented processes and apparatuses for practicing those processes. In exemplary embodiments, the invention is embodied in computer program code executed by one or more network elements. Embodiments include computer program code containing instructions embodied in tangible media, such as floppy diskettes, CD-ROMs, hard drives, or any other computer-readable storage medium, wherein, when the computer program code is loaded into and executed by a computer, the computer becomes an apparatus for practicing the invention. Embodiments include computer program code, for example, whether stored in a storage medium, loaded into and/or executed by a computer, or transmitted over some transmission medium, such as over electrical wiring or cabling, through fiber optics, or via electromagnetic radiation, wherein, when the computer program code is loaded into and executed by a computer, the computer becomes an apparatus for practicing the invention. When implemented on a general-purpose microprocessor, the computer program code segments configure the microprocessor to create specific logic circuits.

While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims. 

1. A method for providing database management services for a telecommunications system, comprising: transferring, via a managed language application, raw data extracted from a legacy system to a first spreadsheet application macro; merging, via the first spreadsheet application macro, selected portions of the raw data, and creating a first spreadsheet file that includes the merged data, the merged data relating each physical and virtual fiber of the telecommunications system to the merged data; transferring, via the managed language application, the first spreadsheet file to another spreadsheet application macro; and generating, via the other spreadsheet application macro, a graphical drawing comprising a cable ring that includes fiber routes and telecommunications equipment, the graphical drawing generated using the merged data.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the raw data includes a first set of raw data relating to telecommunications transmission lines.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the raw data includes a second set of raw data relating to telecommunications equipment data.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the raw data includes a third set of raw includes data relating to telecommunications wavelength division multiplexing data; wherein the first, second, and third sets of raw data are extracted via respective first, second, and third routines of a network planning application.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the data in the first spreadsheet file includes: fiber locations; a cable number; a fiber channel number; a WDM channel number; a restriction code, if applicable; a status code; a date a fiber is placed in service; and a sonet carrier identifier.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: transferring, via the managed language application, a portion of the raw data comprising telecommunications wavelength division multiplexing data to a second spreadsheet application macro; creating, via the second spreadsheet application macro, a second spreadsheet file, the second spreadsheet file comprising a listing of working and spare channels serviced by an enterprise, the working and spare channels identified by WDM location, WDM type, system identification numbers, and state.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the cable ring drawing is represented by nodes, passthroughs, and cable lines.
 8. A system for providing database management services for a telecommunications system, comprising: a computer processing device; and a managed language application and a network planning application executing on the host system, the managed language application and the network planning application implementing a method, comprising: transferring, via the managed language application, raw data extracted from a legacy system to a first spreadsheet application macro; merging, via the first spreadsheet application macro, selected portions of the raw data, and creating a first spreadsheet file that includes the merged data, the merged data relating each physical and virtual fiber of the telecommunications system to the merged data; transferring, via the managed language application, the first spreadsheet file to another spreadsheet application macro; and generating, via the other spreadsheet application macro, a graphical drawing comprising a cable ring that includes fiber routes and telecommunications equipment, the graphical drawing generated using the merged data.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the raw data includes a first set of raw data relating to telecommunications transmission lines.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the raw data includes a second set of raw data relating to telecommunications equipment data.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the raw data includes a third set of raw includes data relating to telecommunications wavelength division multiplexing data; wherein the first, second, and third sets of raw data are extracted via respective first, second, and third routines of the network planning application.
 12. The system of claim 8, wherein the data in the first spreadsheet file includes: fiber locations; a cable number; a fiber channel number; a WDM channel number; a restriction code, if applicable; a status code; a date a fiber is placed in service; and a sonet carrier identifier.
 13. The system of claim 8, further comprising: transferring, via the managed language application, a portion of the raw data comprising telecommunications wavelength division multiplexing data to a second spreadsheet application macro; creating, via the second spreadsheet application macro, a second spreadsheet file, the second spreadsheet file comprising a listing of working and spare channels serviced by an enterprise, the working and spare channels identified by WDM location, WDM type, system identification numbers, and state.
 14. A storage medium including machine-readable computer program code for providing database management services for a telecommunications system, the storage medium including instructions for causing a computer to implement a method comprising: providing database management services for a telecommunications system, comprising: merging selected portions of raw data extracted from a legacy system, and creating a first spreadsheet file that includes the merged data, the merged data relating each physical and virtual fiber of the telecommunications system to the merged data; and generating a graphical drawing comprising a cable ring that includes fiber routes and telecommunications equipment, the graphical drawing generated using the merged data.
 15. The storage medium of claim 14, wherein the raw data includes a first set of raw data relating to telecommunications transmission lines.
 16. The storage medium of claim 15, wherein the raw data includes a second set of raw data relating to telecommunications equipment data.
 17. The storage medium of claim 16, wherein the raw data includes a third set of raw includes data relating to telecommunications wavelength division multiplexing data.
 18. The storage medium of claim 14, wherein the data in the first spreadsheet file includes: fiber locations; a cable number; a fiber channel number; a WDM channel number; a restriction code, if applicable; a status code; a date a fiber is placed in service; and a sonet carrier identifier.
 19. The storage medium of claim 14, further comprising instructions for implementing: creating, a second spreadsheet file from a portion of the raw data comprising telecommunications wavelength division multiplexing data, the second spreadsheet file comprising a listing of working and spare channels serviced by an enterprise, the working and spare channels identified by WDM location, WDM type, system identification numbers, and state.
 20. The method of claim 14, wherein the cable ring drawing is represented by nodes, passthroughs, and cable lines. 